To assist taxpayers who are filing their taxes during peak income tax season, the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance is extending the hours of its Income Tax Call Center through the April 18 filing deadline.

“As we near the end of the filing season, we’re expanding our hours of operation to assist more customers,” said New York State Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Jerry Boone. “Our Call Center stands ready to assist taxpayers. Don’t wait until the last minute, and here’s a tip: the first day of the week is typically the busiest day for call centers.”

Beginning Saturday, April 9, the call center (518-457-5181) will be open for more than 20 additional hours through the end of the filing season to help taxpayers who have last minute tax return filing questions. Representatives will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays for the remainder of the filing season.

The call center’s normal hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. So far this tax season, representatives have answered 400,000 calls from taxpayers. The Department expects to answer more than 150,000 calls in the final two weeks of the season.

For taxpayers comfortable using a home computer, many questions can be answered quickly by visiting our website, www.tax.ny.gov. Nearly 800,000 taxpayers access the Tax Department’s website each week during the income tax season.

Check your refund online

Taxpayers who’ve already filed their returns and are looking for their refund status should use the tool available at www.tax.ny.gov. The refund tool is updated daily and provides the same information available from the automated refund telephone line (518-457-5149) and call center representatives.